Which factors are protective in promoting resilience in children?

• A. Secure relationships, problem-solving skills, supportive services, growth-promoting environments
• B. Isolation, lack of schooling
• C. High parental control with punishment
• D. Genetic predisposition only

Answer: (A)

Resilience in children comes from protective factors that help them cope with adversity across their environment. The best answer includes four elements that work together to buffer risk: secure relationships, problem-solving skills, supportive services, and growth-promoting environments.

Secure relationships provide a stable, trusting base where children can learn to regulate emotions, develop social skills, and seek help when faced with stress. Problem-solving skills give kids practical tools to think through challenges and generate effective coping strategies instead of becoming overwhelmed. Access to supportive services—like healthcare, counseling, tutoring, and family supports—reduces barriers, connects families with resources, and cushions the impact of stressors. Growth-promoting environments offer stability, responsiveness, opportunities for learning, and safety that foster positive development even amid difficulties.

The other options introduce factors that typically heighten risk rather than protect: isolation and lack of schooling remove essential social support and resources; high parental control with punishment can undermine autonomy and emotional regulation; and a genetic predisposition only ignores the crucial environmental context that shapes how resilience unfolds.